Co-convenor of the joint council representing B, C and D Employees, Ram Kishan, said they were forced to take the extreme step as the government did not respond to their token protests, including sit-ins outside the health ministry. He accused the government of going back on the agreement signed on July 28 following an eight-day strike.

"Though five months have passed since the agreement, neither the employees have been provided with the patient care allowance of Rs 700 nor have they set up the committee to look into promotional grievances. The panel was to submit its report in six months," he said.

Ram Kishan said the mass casual leave would be followed by a 72-hour strike from January 4. He said health care services would be severely affected tomorrow.